Phylogenetic variants of Mycoplasma hominis from pregnant women and women presenting with infertility in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria

Background: Much controversies have been associated with the pathogenicity of Mycoplasma hominis but little has been done to unravel the mystery behind the different views. This study aimed at investigating the genetic variants abounding within M. hominis and the distribution of the virulent genes among the variants. Methodology: Twenty (20) M. hominis isolates from high vaginal swabs of women (11 from pregnant women and 9 from women presenting with infertility) attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology clinics of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria, were sequenced using 16S rRNA universal gene target for the purpose of phylogenetic analysis and epidemiological typing. The isolates were also screened for the presence of M. hominis variable adherence antigen (vaa) and p120 virulent genes using primer constructs from the respective genes in a conventional PCR protocol. Results: Of the 20 M. hominis vaginal isolates, 4 phylogenetic strains were detected; strain MHS43 constituted 10/20 (50.0%) [2/9 (22.2%) from infertile women and 8/11 (72.7%) from pregnant women]; strain MHBS constituted 3/20 (15%) [3/9 (33.3%) from infertile women and 0/11 (0%) from pregnant women]; strain MHSWP2 constituted 4/20 (20.0%) [3/9 (33.3%) from infertile women and 1/11 (9.1%) from pregnant women]; while strain MHKC87 constituted 3/20 (15%) [1/9 (11.1%) from infertile women and 2/11 (18.2%) from pregnant women].Each of vaa and p120 genes was detected in 14 of 20 isolates, while 6 isolates did not carry the genes. A 2-way ANOVA test showed that none of the genes was significantly associated with a particular strain (p=0.8641). Conclusions: The different views regarding the pathogenicity of M. hominis may be linked to the heterogeneity within the species and lack of homogeneity in the virulent genes as witnessed both in the intra species and intra strain levels.

Molecular typing of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA) are a major concern in densely populated urban areas. Initial studies of S. aureus in Nigeria indicated existence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus strains in clinical and community settings. METHODS: 73 biological samples (40 throat, 23 nasal, 10 wound) were collected from patients and healthcare workers in three populations in Nigeria: Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, and Owerri General Hospital. RESULTS: S. aureus was isolated from 38 of 73 samples (52%). Of the 38 S. aureus samples, 9 (24%) carried the Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene (PVL) while 16 (42%) possessed methicillin resistance genes (mecA). Antibiotic susceptibility profiles indicated resistance to several broad-spectrum antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic-resistant S. aureus isolates were recovered from clinical and community settings in Nigeria. Insight about S. aureus in Nigeria may be used to improve antibiotic prescription methods and minimize the spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms in highly populated urban communities similar to Lagos, Nigeria.

Tinea capitis among primary school children in Anambra state of Nigeria.

Tinea capitis continues to be a common problem of infancy and childhood, particularly among those living in unhygienic crowded conditions. The prevalence and aetiology of tinea capitis have not been well defined in Anambra state of Nigeria - hence the need to undertake this study. A total of 47,723 primary school children residing in different regions of the State was screened for tinea capitis between 2002 and 2005. Of this number, 4498 (9.4%) had tinea capitis. The highest prevalence of the disease occurred in the Southern region of the state (12.6%). Schools in urban areas recorded lower prevalence of the disease. Male : female prevalence ratio of 1.6 : 1 was recorded. Tinea capitis occurred significantly more in children below 10 years of age than in those above this age (chi(2 )= 3.178; P < 0.10). Of 502 isolates recovered in culture, Microsporum audouinii was the most prevalent (42%), followed by M. ferrugineum (17%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (16%). Four of the samples revealed spore head of Aspergillus spp. in direct sample microscopy. A total of 29 (6%) isolates was atypical forms. The majority (91%) of children with the lesion came from families of three or more children, living in crowded apartments. Results showed that tinea capitis remains an important public health problem in Anambra state of Nigeria.

Rapid iodometric detection of Aeromonas amylase and its diagnostic significance.

Twenty-five Aeromonas hydrophila isolates from different sources (Food, 13; Clinical, 6 and Environmental, 6) were studied for the mode of production of Amylase and rapid iodometric detection of the enzyme in vitro. All twenty-five of the isolates produced the enzyme constitutively at 37 degrees C. Amylase producing ability was not dependent on the source of isolation of Aeromonas (F = 0.1069; p > 0.05). Using iodometric technique, in a microtitration tray, the enzyme was fully demonstrated in 10(40%) of the isolates within 30 min, in 22(88%) within 60 min and in all (25 or 100%) within 90 min. The rapid detection of Aeromonas amylase will, no doubt, be of great value in routine diagnostic microbiology.

Etiologic spectrum and pattern of antimicrobial drug susceptibility in bacterial meningitis in Sokoto, Nigeria.

Etiologic agents of meningitis were prospectively investigated among patients admitted to Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Of 1097 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples submitted to the microbiology laboratory from various wards of the hospital, 289 (26%) were microscopically, culturally and/or serologically proven to be bacterial meningitis. The etiologic spectrum was as follows: Neisseria meningitidis (61%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (18%), Haemophilus influenzae (10%), Staphylococcus aureus (6%), Coliform bacilli (3%), Escherichia coli (0.7%), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (0.7%), Listeria monocytogenes (0.4%), Flavobacterium meningosepticum (0.4%) and Pseudomonas putrifasciens (0.4%). Bacterial meningitis was most prevalent (195 or 68%) among children aged 1-9 y, while adults and neonates were least affected. Coliform bacilli caused five of eight neonatal cases. Males were more frequently affected than females (chi2 = 12.50; p < 0.05). Culture and microscopy were comparatively less efficient than the search for bacterial antigens, especially in the diagnosis of Haemophilus meningitis. Antimicrobial susceptibility of N. meningitidis to ampicillin and benzyl penicillin reduced progressively over the years (F = 406.98; p < 0.001). Nineteen (11%) of the isolates (5 Meningococci, 7 Staph. aureus, 1 Haem. influenza and 6 others) showed simultaneous resistance to chloramphenicol, ampicillin and benzyl penicillin.

A comparative clinical evaluation of econazole nitrate, miconazole, and nystatin in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.

A controlled triple open clinical study on three vaginal tablets--Econazole nitrate, Miconazole and Nystatin, was carried out. Seventy-five patients, aged between 18 and 45 years, presenting with mycologically proven cases of vaginal candidiasis, met certain set criteria and were admitted into the study. Twenty-five patients were randomly assigned to each of the three treatment groups. Results of the study showed that at the 4th week after treatment, Econazole was comparable in antifungal action to Miconazole (x2 = 0.2128; p > 0.05) but significantly more antifungal than Nystatin (x2 = 8.8540; P < 0.05), although the overall clinicomycological assessment of the drugs showed no significant difference in their ratings (F = 21.34; P > 0.05).

Microorganisms associated with wound infection in Ekpoma, Nigeria.

Bacteria associated with wound infection in Ekpoma, Nigeria, and their antimicrobial susceptibility profile was investigated by standard microbiological methods, using hospital as well as non-hospital patients. Of 40 patients seen, 25 (62.5%) were males, while the rest were females. Those aged 30 years and above accounted for 63% of the patients, and post-operative sepsis was the most frequently encountered wound infection. Of the organisms encountered, Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently occurring organism (39%), followed by coliform bacilli (24%), which was the most prevalent organism (44%) in post-operative sepsis. Twenty-one percent of the isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The majority of the bacterial isolates from the infected wounds were susceptible to Gentamicin, as follows: 92% of the Staph. aureus, 100% of Streptococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Pseud. aeruginosa, and 75% of the coliform bacilli. It is suggested that gentamicin, in combination with metronidazole, be used not only for empirical treatment of wound infections in Ekpoma locality but also for prophylactic coverage of surgical operations.

Nasopharyngeal carriage of meningococcus and meningococcal meningitis in Sokoto, Nigeria.

In an attempt to determine the epidemiology of meningococcal diseases in Sokoto, Nigeria, nasopharyngeal carriage of meningococcus was studied among the groups at the greatest risk of the disease, i.e. children and young adults. Of 726 subjects sampled, 45 (6.2%) carried meningococcus. Sixteen (35.6%) of the 45 isolates belonged to serogroup B. Others were as follows: group A, 8 (17.8%), C, 5 (11.1%), D, 1 (2.2%) and non-groupable 11 (24.4%). Clinical cases encountered during the period were caused by serogroups A (5, 62.5%) and C (3, 37.5%). A male:female carriage ratio of 1.2:1 was recorded for the potential epidemic serogroups, A and C (chi2 = 1.0091; p>0.05), while the clinical case ratio for the genders was 1.8:1 (chi = 16.1619; p<0.001). The 5-9-y-old age group carried meningococci more frequently (8.5%) than other age brackets, and also registered the highest incidence (46.5%) of the cases. Closeness of contact with a clinical case increased the carriage of the strain of the case (chi2 = 33.3940; p<0.001). Rural dwellers carried meningococcus more frequently than urban dwellers (chi2 = 9.5591; p<0.05). The season had no consistent influence on carriage rates, even though it significantly influenced the outbreaks of the disease. Mass vaccination with polysaccharide vaccine and improved living conditions appear to be the most practical ways to control meningococcal diseases in Africa.

Prevalence and horizontal propagation of gonococcal infections among Nigerian children.

The prevalence and mode of spread of gonococcal infections was studied among prepubertal children in Nigeria. Of 16 children with symptoms suggestive of sexually transmissible diseases (STD), 9 (56%) had gonorrhoea, while no causative organism was found in 7. The majority (7; 78%) of the gonococcal isolates produced penicillinase. Three of the cases were by child-to-child transmission, with female peers as the initiators. Prepubertal children should no longer be ignored as propagators of STD.

Euphorbia hirta leaves and Musa sapientum fruits in culture media for fungi.

Two plant products, Euphorbia hirta leaves and fruits of Musa sapientum, were evaluated as principal ingredients for selective cultivation of fungi. Sapientum glucose agar supported the growth of both dermatophytic, yeast-like, and saprophytic fungi; growth on this medium compared favourably with growth on Sabouraud glucose agar, a standard mycological medium. Sporulation and pigment formation were stronger on sapientum glucose agar than on Sabouraud glucose agar, although fungal growth on the latter was more luxuriant. Addition of Euphorbia extract to mycological media remarkably enhanced fungal growth on the media, and concomitantly suppressed bacterial growth to a similar extent as did antibiotics. The results of this study suggest that Euphorbia sapientum glucose agar can safely be recommended as a cheap and efficient medium for routine isolation of fungi in both clinical and general mycological studies.